Kiến thức, thực hành về phòng chống bệnh sốt xuất huyết Dengue của bà mẹ có con dưới 15 tuổi tại thành phố Vị Thanh, tỉnh Hậu Giang năm 2024

Dengue is a significant global public health threat, particularly in Vietnam, where it causes substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic burden, especially in the Southern region. Proactive prevention is crucial given its seasonal peaks. Mothers play a pivotal role in child health, making their knowledge and practices regarding dengue prevention vital for effective public health interventions. Despite existing KAP studies in various regions, localized data is essential due to regional disparities. This study addresses a current research gap by investigating dengue prevention practices among mothers with children under 15 in Vi Thanh City, Hau Giang Province, aiming to quantify the proportion of proper practices and identify related factors in 2024.

Public health officials, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers focused on dengue prevention and control programs, especially those working in endemic areas within Vietnam.

Dengue fever remains a pressing public health issue, necessitating effective community-level prevention efforts. This study highlights the critical role of mothers in implementing these prevention strategies within their households, providing valuable insights into current practices and identifying specific areas for improvement regarding certain larval control measures and initial illness management. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to October 2024, involving 400 mothers with children under 15 years old residing in Vi Thanh City, Hau Giang Province. Data were collected using structured questionnaires to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices, supplemented by observational checklists for environmental sanitation, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of current prevention behaviors. The study found that 81.5% of mothers exhibited good Dengue fever prevention practices overall, a notably higher proportion compared to some similar studies in other regions. A high percentage (90.7%) reported engaging in larvae elimination measures and weekly checking of water containers, with covering water containers being the most common method (31.5%). However, specific measures like releasing fish or avoiding rainwater storage were rarely adopted, indicating a partial understanding of the mosquito lifecycle. Furthermore, while 74.2% of mothers sought care at health facilities for suspected illness, a concerning 21.3% resorted to self-medication, posing risks of delayed diagnosis and complications. The findings affirm that mothers in Vi Thanh city generally demonstrate good engagement in Dengue prevention. However, the identified limitations in the application of certain control measures and the initial management of suspected cases underscore the need for targeted public health education campaigns. These campaigns should focus on improving understanding of the Aedes aegypti mosquito's breeding habits and emphasizing the importance of professional medical consultation over self-medication for suspected Dengue cases. Such efforts can enhance the effectiveness of local Dengue control programs and mitigate disease burden.